Indianapolis (Friday, Oct. 31, 2025) –Thirteen winners of the 2025 National FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards were named during the fifth session of the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo on Friday, Oct. 31, which is being held in Indianapolis.

Agricultural proficiency awards honor FFA members who, through Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students compete in areas ranging from agricultural communications to wildlife management. Proficiency awards are also recognized at local and state levels and provide recognition to members exploring and becoming established in agricultural career pathways.

Today, awards were announced for 13 of the 45 categories during the second general convention session.

Agriscience Research – Plant Systems
Lindsey Johnson of the Abernathy FFA in Texas participated in three SAE projects and worked with breeders, pathologists, and farmers to determine growing issues within the cotton industry. Johnson’s work has also enabled her to address how the industry can proactively face these challenges while learning how to read, perform, and interpret research and scientific literature. Johnson is supported by her parents, Joe and Rosanne, and her FFA advisors, Olivia Schniers and Molly Hicks.

Diversified Crop Production – Entrepreneurship
Madeliene Pollard of the Lathrop FFA in Missouri has a diversified crop production SAE that includes two different types of crops — 135 acres of soybeans and 166 acres of corn. Among many increased skills, Pollard has learned how to operate and care for machinery, plant and harvest crops, watch market trends and practice efficient farming methods. Pollard is supported by her parents, Justin and Suellen, and her FFA advisors Emily Schoning, Maggie Voisard, and Greg Hale.

Diversified Crop Production – Placement
Aiden Schwebach of the Estancia FFA in New Mexico is employed at his family’s farm, Schwebach’s, LLC. The farm cultivates corn, alfalfa, triticale, sorghum, and barley. Schwebach began his SAE with only entry-level farm duties, but increased his skills over a few years with management, strategy, and business experiences. Schwebach is supported by his parents, Ryan and Shannon, and his FFA advisor, Kyle Metzger.

Diversified Horticulture – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Eleanor Brubaker of the Williamsburg FFA in Pennsylvania operated EB Flowers, a cut flower business. She grew the flowers from seed and sold them as bouquets at farmers’ markets or at “pick your own” events. Brubaker managed the plant growth timeline, scheduled flower sales events, and organized all of the business supplies for growing up to 15 varieties of plants. Brubaker is supported by her parents, Daren and Marina, and her FFA advisor, Robyn Bechtel.

Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Houston Ray Stewart of the Brighton FFA in Tennessee worked for a fifth-generation row crop operation that produces cotton and soybeans. Stewart also worked with Cardinal Farms, the FFA chapter’s farm, on a row crop research plot that included soybeans and cotton. Stewart gained experience in field preparation, planting, operating tractors and sprayers, maintaining equipment for the field, irrigation and harvesting. Stewart is supported by parents, Jeff and Emily, and FFA advisors Rebeca Breckenridge, Dana Mills, Elliott Bush, and Terri Lea.

Forage Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Mason Carlow of the Hooks FFA in Texas worked on his family’s ranch, performing various jobs related to the hay process. Carlow was responsible for managing the hay meadows, which included cutting, tedding, raking, baling and hauling. He also completed maintenance on all the equipment and the pest management for the fields. Carlow is supported by his parents, James and Melinda, and his FFA advisors Stephanie Loe, Angie Duke, Hailey Hanna, and Harrold Hillis.

Fruit and Nut Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement      
Rafael Rodriguez Gaytan of the Riverdale FFA in California managed and maintained 450 acres of pistachio orchards for his family’s orchard business. Not only has Rodriguez Gaytan become experienced in the daily duties of the operation, but he has also learned the business and administrative workings required to run the farm. Rodriguez Gaytan is supported by Marisela Rodriguez and FFA advisors Hannah Bianchi, Morgan Garibaldi, and Tony Kellogg.

Grain Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Jonathan Cromer of the Ridgemont FFA in Ohio was responsible for tillage, planting, and harvesting corn on the family farm. His role evolved from helper to manager, making decisions that directly impacted the farm’s efficiency and profitability. These roles and responsibilities prepared Cromer for his career goal of becoming a full-time farmer. Cromer is supported by his parents, Nathan and Amanda, and his FFA advisors Stephanie Jolliff and Lori Romie.

Landscape Installation – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Cordray Mathis Baker of the Brookfield FFA in Missouri had a placement SAE at Mendenhall’s Nursery and Florist Shop, learning how to care for nursery plants and greenhouse plants as well as how to assist customers in designing landscaping projects. Gaining experience in landscape installation has helped Mathias, who plans to gain a degree in horticulture with a career goal in floristry. Baker is supported by parents, Aaron and Monica, and their FFA advisor, Jessica Dobrzenski.

Nursery Operations – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Eric Taylor of the Miami Trace Great Oaks FFA in Ohio worked in plant production, plant management, greenhouse maintenance and customer service. Changes reflect Taylor’s growth from an entry-level worker to a trusted team member actively involved in management-level decisions. Taylor is supported by his parents, Jeff and Kristi, and his FFA advisors, Amanda Swigert, Bruce Bennett, and Wendi Mizer Stachler.

Specialty Crop Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Gunner Claybrook of the Frenship FFA in Texas has an SAE assisting in the production of specialty mushrooms at a local farm. In addition to daily duties such as watering, planting, harvesting, weeding, and applying necessary treatments, Claybrook’s responsibilities have expanded to manage the sales booth at farmers’ markets to sell the mushrooms. Claybrook is supported by his parents, Rick and Betty, and his FFA advisors Ryan Pieniazek, Matthew Huston, Angela VanGundy, Reagan Taylor, and Kelsea

Turf and Landscape Maintenance – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Tucker Snook of the Cambridge FFA in Illinois has an entrepreneurship project that has expanded from a simple mowing business with 12 customers to a full-service turf and landscape business with 40 customers. Snook plans to obtain an associate’s degree in agriculture and continue to be an entrepreneur, operating a full-service landscaping and excavation business with specialties in turfgrass management, spraying, and fertilizing. Snook is supported by his parents, Wade and Candy, and his FFA advisors Haley Gruber and Trenton Taber.

Vegetable Production – Entrepreneurship/Placement
Mason Riebe of the Tri-Point FFA in Illinois owns Mason’s Peculiar Pumpkins, a business that grows and sells unique, heirloom pumpkins. Over the course of four years, Riebe grew and invested in his business, increasing his revenue from $1,397 in the first year to $11,354 in the last year. Riebe is supported by his parents, Jeff and Sara, and his FFA advisors, Diana Loschen, Jenna Baker, and Kaylee Shouse.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,207 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 1,042,245 student members as part of 9,407 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.